Gremio block Francis Amuzu from Ghana duty ahead of Mexico friendly

Brazilian side Gremio have refused to release Francis Amuzu for Ghana’s upcoming international friendly against Mexico, disrupting what would have been the winger’s debut with the Black Stars.

According to Brazilian outlet GZH, the club was formally informed that Amuzu was expected to report to Ghana’s camp on Thursday, May 14.

However, Gremio opted against granting permission, pointing to the late timing of the call-up and their congested fixture schedule.

The Porto Alegre-based club face Palestino in the Copa Sudamericana, followed by a domestic clash against Santos on May 23, matches they consider crucial to their campaign.

Amuzu has been a key figure for Gremio this season, ranking as their second-highest scorer with seven goals, behind Carlos Vinicius, who has netted 14.

The decision denies the 26-year-old what would have been his first appearance for Ghana under new head coach Carlos Queiroz, marking a setback in his international career trajectory.

Born in Ghana but raised in Belgium, Amuzu previously featured for Belgium at the youth level. He was first approached by Ghana in 2022 but declined, stating then that his international future remained with Belgium.

He has since switched allegiance to Ghana and was expected to officially begin his Black Stars journey in the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and preparations in North America.

The friendly against Mexico is seen as a key part of Ghana’s long-term planning ahead of the tournament.